Lonely end for Golden Square man

A GOLDEN Square man lay dead in his home for up to a week before being found.The discovery of his decomposed body has prompted calls for people to get to know their neighbours.Police yesterday said the man aged in his 50s was in an advanced state of decomposition, suggesting he had been dead for more than a few days.Neighbour Tony Fittock reported last seeing the man on February 9 or 10.Mr Fittock described him as a pleasant man with a good sense of humour who kept to himself.“I saw him last Thursday or Friday and he told me he had plans to build in his backyard,’’ he said. “I saw him shovelling soil.“He was a quiet man in a quiet street.“He has lived there for many years. He was a bit of a mystery man but we generally said hello in passing.’’Kangaroo Flat Community House co-ordinator Elaine McNamara said it was important to talk with your neighbours, particularly if they were elderly. “You shouldn’t live on their doorstep but I couldn’t speak strongly enough of getting to know your neighbour,” she said.“If they have nobody then neighbours should make the effort and get to know one another.’’ A spokesperson for Haven said it was always important to keep a lookout for your neighbours. “It is unfortunate. However, people are now increasingly living alone,’’ she said.“It is important for neighbours to have an interest in each other’s welfare, without intruding on their private lives.”The State Coroner will investigate the man’s death.